Drive Of The Game: Get Rid Of It Geno

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Drive of the Game: Get rid of it, Geno!

December, 22, 2014
DEC 22
10:00
AM ET
By Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com

A look back at the key drive in the New York Jets' 17-16 loss to the New England Patriots:

The Drive: The Jets went three-and-out midway through the fourth quarter, ending with a missed field goal.

The Situation: This could've been the turning point. Cornerback Marcus Williams made a fantastic interception on a pass that deflected off the hands of Brandon LaFell, with Jason Babin applying pressure on Tom Brady. The Jets took over at the Patriots' 30, down by a point, with 7:18 left in the game. Surely, they'd manage at least a field goal to take the lead.

What Happened: They came away with nothing. After two running plays, the Jets faced a third-and-4 from the 24. Instead of playing it conservatively, as he did on a previous third down in the red zone, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg called a pass play. It backfired. The Patriots unveiled a new blitz, catching the Jets by surprise. Inexplicably, Geno Smith held the ball, taking a 10-yard sack by Dont'a Hightower. It might have been excusable for a rookie, but not a second-year quarterback.

The Impact: Instead of a 42-yard field goal attempt, or perhaps closer, the Jets were pushed back to 52 yards, the outer limit of Nick Folk's range. His attempt was deflected by big Vince Wilfork, conjuring up memories of the first meeting between the teams. That day, Chris Jones blocked Folk's attempt from 58 yards at the end. This time, the Patriots took over and never relinquished the ball, dropping the Jets to 3-12.

 

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Smith had a reasonably good game yesterday, but when you are in that kind of tight game, holding the Pats to 17, you just can't make mistakes.

He made two big ones. The interception of course, and this play. As Cimini said this play was excusable for a rookie, but at this point in his career, with the game on the line, you throw that ball away.

OL provided great protection yesterday, it wasn't like he was shell shocked from getting hit. Just a real bad play

 

[jetgreen13]

i also think he's pretty lousy but he only making 2nd round money..

i say keep him around until/if he gets beaten out for a roster spot..

remember it in all likelihood he will be evaluated by a very different regime..

 

[ucrenegade]

Sometimes I swear he thinks he is playing #madden

 

[jetgreen13]

Sometimes I swear he thinks he is playing #madden

yeah, well someone should let him know he's has a 76 player rating..

awareness 71..

 

[Jets31]

Smith had a reasonably good game yesterday, but when you are in that kind of tight game, holding the Pats to 17, you just can't make mistakes.

He made two big ones. The interception of course, and this play. As Cimini said this play was excusable for a rookie, but at this point in his career, with the game on the line, you throw that ball away.

OL provided great protection yesterday, it wasn't like he was shell shocked from getting hit. Just a real bad play

I'd agree with this. Some accuracy issues early but be settled. One of his big issues has been holding the ball to long. How many times has he been sacked on 3rd down in the red zone to make it a looooong field goal or knock us out of range. Its killed us so many times.

I do feel like he can fix it though. He seems to be better with the running backwards thing. Now just learn to throw it away. This is something young guys often struggle with.

 

[flgreen]

I'd agree with this. Some accuracy issues early but be settled. One of his big issues has been holding the ball to long. How many times has he been sacked on 3rd down in the red zone to make it a looooong field goal or knock us out of range. Its killed us so many times.

I do feel like he can fix it though. He seems to be better with the running backwards thing. Now just learn to throw it away. This is something young guys often struggle with.

I don't think he can fix it. It's a "fight or flight" instinct. Some QB's can just stand in the pocket, knowing they are going to get hit, and just release the ball at the last second. Some QB's, when the pocket starts to collapse, just run for their lives. I think that's who Smith is.

Don't know that, that can be coached out. It's just who you are

 

[flgreen]

i also think he's pretty lousy but he only making 2nd round money..

i say keep him around until/if he gets beaten out for a roster spot..

remember it in all likelihood he will be evaluated by a very different regime..

Oh, I have no doubt that he will be on the team next year, may eventually be a fair back up. I don't even question the fact they took him at the top of the 2nd. It's the fact that they have dealt with him like he was a top 5 pick.

He wasn't. His fantasy #'s at WV were good, but he really wasn't a good QB. That's why a lot of the draft guru's had him at the top of the draft, they usually don't watch a lot of games, but just crunch numbers. But the NFL scouts had him mid 2nd. They do watch the games

 

[Jets31]

I don't think he can fix it. It's a "fight or flight" instinct. Some QB's can just stand in the pocket, knowing they are going to get hit, and just release the ball at the last second. Some QB's, when the pocket starts to collapse, just run for their lives. I think that's who Smith is.

Don't know that, that can be coached out. It's just who you are

I get what you are saying but it can be coached. Its just about knowing the situation. Natural instincts help but he can be coached up here. Doesnt mean that he will fix it though.